Major Grocery Chain Adds PrEP Coverage for Employees

Publix will cover employees seeking PrEP. HRC and other groups have spoken out earlier this year about Publix’s decision to not offer PrEP for its employees, and after pressure from HRC, other advocates, and elected officials such as Florida State Rep. Carlos Smith, Publix has now reversed its decision.

“It is a positive step forward that an employer as large as Publix will now offer PrEP to its employees as part of their health care coverage. Publix has locations predominantly in the South, where HIV disproportionately affects the population, making this decision all the more impactful and necessary. We hope this decision by Publix will inspire other large employers to think seriously about ensuring that their health plans address all employees’ needs,” a rep from the HRC said.

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis it is a pill regimen to help people stay HIV-negative. The only drug that is FDA-approved for PrEP is a prescription medication sold under the brand name Truvada.